Kamal Hossain to fight for Khaleda's bail, if necessary
Voicing deep concern over the ‘deteriorating’ health condition of Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia, Jatiya Oikya Front convener Kamal Hossain on Tuesday demanded the government immediately release her from jail, reports news agency UNB.
He also demanded necessary steps be taken for Khaleda’s advanced treatment issuing a warning that the government will be held responsible if anything bad happens to her.
Kamal Hossain, also the president of Gano Forum, was talking to newsmen after an emergency meeting of Jatiya Oikya Front’s steering committee at his Motijheel chamber in the capital.
He said they came to know from the media reports that former prime minister Khaleda Zia has been passing days in jail with serious illness.
“On behalf of the Jatiya Oikya Front, we express our deep concern over the seriously deteriorating health condition of her (Khaleda). We also condemn the dillydallying in granting bail to Khaleda Zia,” he said.
Kamal Hossain also said depriving the BNP chief of her rights to get bail is of course an act of violation of the constitution. “If our demand for her advanced treatment is not accepted, it’ll also be tantamount to violation of the constitution.”
He further said the constitution is the highest law and all are bound to obey it. “They (the govt) will be accused of a serious offence, if they violate the constitution.”
Replying to a question, the JOF chief said he and their alliance leaders will continue their efforts to ensure bail for Khaleda.
Asked whether he will stand in court on behalf of Khaleda for bail, Kamal said, “I’ll surely do it, if necessary, as it’s my professional responsibility.”
The noted jurist said Khaleda Zia can file appeal time and again for her bail though the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court rejected her bail petition on 12 December last year. “We can seek review while fresh application can be filed.”
He also strongly protested and denounced the rape of a Dhaka University student in the city’s Kurmitola area.
Earlier on Monday, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their chairperson informed them that she wants to go to any advanced health centre as she was not given proper treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
Khaleda has been in jail since she was convicted in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case in February, 2018. She was found guilty in another corruption case later the same year, though her party claims both the cases are politically motivated.
The BNP chief has been receiving treatment at the BSMMU since 1 April last year.